This week's flooding has the Ocmulgee River churned up and treacherous in some spots.

First responders say that's a good reason to stay out of the river until it's back to normal.

One teen learned that lesson Friday when his kayak capsized near the Route 18 bridge between Jones and Monroe Counties.

Monroe EMA director Matt Perry says rescue crews scrambled to the river to find him, but he made it to shore on his own.

"The EMA directors all up and down this river have been saying for two weeks now to stay off of it. This is nothing to mess around with. This river will kill you, so if you're thinking about recreational activities on the river, go somewhere else," Perry said.

Perry says the teen was returned to his parents safe and sound but a bit chilly.